VoiceInk's code is open source under GPL v3, so you can build it yourself for free. The paid version is a one-time purchase of $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs), or $49 (3 Macs), and the site lists a free trial without saying how long it lasts. Superwhisper has a free tier that doesn't expire, and Pro costs $8.49 a month.

Does VoiceInk work offline?

Yes. VoiceInk transcribes on your Mac, and its site says voice data never leaves the device. Superwhisper also runs on-device models on macOS, Windows, and iPhone. Android is cloud only.

VoiceInk vs Superwhisper: which is better for Windows or phone use?

Superwhisper. It runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. VoiceInk is a macOS app for Apple Silicon Macs, with an iOS app listed on its site.

Which is cheaper, VoiceInk or Superwhisper?

VoiceInk, if you use one Mac: $25 once. Superwhisper's lifetime license is $249.99, and Pro is $8.49 a month or $84.99 a year. Superwhisper's free tier is the cheaper way to try either one.

Is VoiceInk open source and is Superwhisper?

VoiceInk is open source under GPL v3. Superwhisper is not. If you want to read or modify the code, use VoiceInk.

Superwhisper vs VoiceInk: Cross-Platform vs Mac-Only

Key differences

Side-by-side comparison

Both apps can transcribe locally with no internet on a Mac. The split is platform coverage, price model, and open source versus a closed product with more features around dictation.

	Superwhisper	VoiceInk
Platforms	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android	macOS (Apple Silicon, macOS 14.4+); an iOS app is also listed
Offline mode	On-device models on macOS, Windows, and iPhone; Android is cloud only	Yes, transcription runs locally
Privacy	On-device or cloud, your choice	Audio stays on the Mac; optional cloud enhancement sends text only
Open source	No	Yes, GPL v3 on GitHub
Custom modes	Fully customizable	Per-app modes and writing styles
File transcription	Yes, on Pro (macOS and Windows)	Not confirmed
BYO API keys	Yes, on Pro (not on Android)	Not confirmed
Pricing	Free, Pro $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr, or $249.99 lifetime	One-time: $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs), $49 (3 Macs)
Free option	Free tier that doesn't expire	Free trial, or build it yourself from source
Refund	30-day refund	14-day money-back guarantee

Key differences

Where they actually differ

Price: VoiceInk is much cheaper

VoiceInk is a one-time purchase: $25 for one Mac, $39 for two, $49 for three, with lifetime updates. That is well below Superwhisper's $249.99 lifetime license, and far below a year of any subscription.

Superwhisper has a free tier that doesn't expire, and Pro is $8.49 a month or $84.99 a year. If you only use one Mac and want the lowest total cost, VoiceInk wins.

Open source

VoiceInk's code is public under GPL v3. You can read it, build it yourself, and check what it does with your audio. The paid version adds automatic updates and support.

Superwhisper is not open source. If auditing the code matters to you, that decides it.

Platforms

VoiceInk is built for Macs with Apple Silicon. Superwhisper runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, and one Pro license covers all your devices.

If you switch between a Mac and a Windows PC or a phone, VoiceInk can't follow you.

Offline and privacy

Both can run speech recognition locally. VoiceInk's site says voice data never leaves your Mac, and its optional cloud enhancement sends text, not audio.

Superwhisper offers on-device models and cloud models, and you choose per mode. Android is cloud only. Pro lets you bring your own API keys on the other platforms.

Modes and file transcription

VoiceInk switches settings by app or URL and has writing-style modes. Superwhisper's modes are fully custom: you write the system prompt, so a mode can be a meeting summarizer, an email writer, or a code commenter.

Superwhisper also transcribes audio and video files on macOS and Windows (Pro). We couldn't confirm that on VoiceInk's site.

Developer experience

On desktop, Superwhisper works system-wide, so it works in any IDE or terminal.

It runs in

Cursor,

VS Code,

Claude Code, Windsurf, Xcode, anywhere your cursor lands.

Where VoiceInk does well

VoiceInk is the better pick if you are on one Apple Silicon Mac, want a one-time price under $50, or want open source software. Those are real advantages and Superwhisper doesn't match them.

What people say

Loved by thousands

Guillermo Rauch

CEO

Superwhisper delivers on the dream of an AI-native operating system. The best part: it's insanely fast and does just what you expect.

Pieter Levels

Serial entrepreneur

Tried @superwhisperapp today. Very nice. Lets me talk to Cursor and then it codes for me, just gets it right.

Corrections

Correcting some misinformation

A few comparison sites describe Superwhisper inaccurately. Here's what's actually true:

Superwhisper runs on macOS, Windows, iPhone, and Android.
On desktop it works in any IDE because it's system-wide, including Cursor, Claude Code, VS Code, Xcode, and terminals.
It does more than basic transcription. Modes, including custom ones, format and rewrite your speech with AI.

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